NASL champs re-sign midfielder

Published 6:30 pm, Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Scorpions’ Rafael Castillo moves the ball upfield during the first half of a NASL match against Minnesota FC at Toyota Field this past season.

Scorpions’ Rafael Castillo moves the ball upfield during the first half of a NASL match against Minnesota FC at Toyota Field this past season.

Photo: Robin Jerstad, Freelance

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Scorpions forward Rafael Castillo is hugged by Billie Forbes after Castillo’s first-half goal against the New York Cosmos in the 2014 regular-season finale.

Scorpions forward Rafael Castillo is hugged by Billie Forbes after Castillo’s first-half goal against the New York Cosmos in the 2014 regular-season finale.

Photo: Robin Jerstad, Freelance

NASL champs re-sign midfielder

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Scorpions midfielder Rafael Castillo, the lynchpin of their drive to the first North American Soccer League championship in franchise history, has been re-signed for two years, with a team option for a third, management announced Wednesday.

“I am very happy with the opportunity that God has given me to continue with the team and very committed to having another successful season,” Castillo said via release. “I am very happy with the Scorpions and the beautiful people of San Antonio. I hope to give them my best once again.”

Castillo was a revelation upon his arrival at midseason, providing a steady stream of goals and a tireless box-to-box work ethic.

A veteran of the Colombian national team, he was named to the NASL’s Best XI team before starring in the Scorpions’ 2-1 victory over Fort Lauderdale in the Soccer Bowl with a bicycle-kick goal and an assist on Billy Forbes’ winner.